Cleveland Clinic
and PBA explore joint venture
Cleveland Clinic Florida and Palm Beach Atlantic University have signed a letter of intent to begin discussions on the development of a health sciences center on the university’s campus in West Palm Beach.
Clinic Indian River Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, with five hospitals and numerous outpatient centers in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties.
Physician Assistant degree planned for 2023
The new facility would combine educational opportunities and resources for PBA students and faculty, with convenient access to care for Cleveland Clinic Florida patients. “Educating and training the next generation of healthcare providers has been part of Cleveland Clinic’s mission since our inception 100 years ago,” said Conor P. Delaney, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Cleveland Clinic Florida. “Opportunities like this help us expand our mission of supporting education in tandem with providing world-class care for the patients we serve.” Plans for the facility include basic and clinical science classrooms, as well as clinical simulation laboratories for PBA students. The facility would also offer access to patient care with Cleveland Clinic Florida providers and a clinic for PBA students.
Dr. Phil Tobin
Dr. Phil Tobin joined the University in July 2021 to develop and direct a Physician Assistant (PA) program, another step forward in PBA’s expanding portfolio of healthcare degrees.
Tobin had been director of the School of Physician Assistant Studies at Touro University Nevada and previously directed the Mercer University Physician Assistant Program. The master’s degree program he is to develop at PBA will produce graduates to fill critical needs felt across the nation, Tobin said. PBA’s goal is to launch its first class of PA students in August 2023. Meanwhile, Tobin will develop the program, shepherd it through a lengthy accreditation process and hire faculty.
Prospective students can come with a bachelor’s degree “We believe this strategic alliance will in any major, though they will need prerequisites such enhance PBA’s ability to train outstanding as anatomy and physiology. Tobin said the PA master’s and caring healthcare providers, much degree typically includes 16 months of classroom education needed in today’s world, as well as increasing followed by 12 months of clinical education with students patient access to high-quality healthcare working through specific core rotations in the community. services,” said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, PBA’s “Dr. Tobin sees the occupation not as just a career, but a president, who is also a medical doctor and scientist. “It will offer students in our nursing, way to serve people with the love of Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Duane Meeks, associate provost for strategic innovation. “I pharmacy and other schools exceptional think he’s a terrific fit for PBA.” experiences that will prepare them for their careers in healthcare.” Meeks noted that the University already has a strong and growing mission in the healthcare arena, with nursing, The Cleveland Clinic Florida region is pharmacy and other healthcare-related degrees. With a nonprofit, multi-specialty healthcare the PA degree, he said, “I think you’re going to see a new provider that integrates clinical and program of tremendous interdisciplinary collaboration.” hospital care with research and education. The Florida region now includes Cleveland 22
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